Empowering People With Disabilities Through Enabling Technology
The Michigan Tech First Task Force is focused on creating a statewide blueprint for making Michigan a Tech First state, which is where technology is prioritized to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Building a Tech First Michigan
Technology First is the practice of considering technology first in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Technology includes many things such as simple medication reminders or dispensing devices, phone apps, sensors on doors and windows, environmental controls or systems that enable individuals to communicate with remote staff by using phones or web-based technology.
Technology can be a creative solution to support a person’s desire for more independence at home, in the community, and at work. Enabling Technology allows people to use smart or electronic devices to experience greater independence and security and reduces reliance on caregivers.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Tech First philosophy emphasizes matching technology to an individual’s preferences, abilities, goals, and person-centered plan. Remote supports can provide assistance from trained staff located off-site while helping individuals maintain greater control over their daily lives.
Turning Technology Into Possibilities
Lansing Smart Home Demonstration Pod
The Demonstration Pod, located within the Incompass Michigan office in Lansing provides individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, service providers, and community partners with an opportunity to see Enabling Technology in action and learn how Smart Home solutions can be tailored to individual needs. It is designed to provide a hands-on learning environment where visitors can explore how technology can support everyday activities, including:
- Safety technology, including fall detection sensors, flood detectors, door sensors, and temperature controls.
- Medication management tools that can provide reminders or assistance with medication routines.
- Communication technology that can connect individuals with family members, caregivers, or remote support staff by request.
- Remote support technology that can connect individuals with trained staff when assistance is needed.
Schedule a Lansing Visit
Located just two blocks from the Capitol, Incompass Michigan invites individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, providers, policymakers, technology professionals, and community members to visit the Demonstration Pod and explore how technology can help create greater opportunities for independence. Contact [email protected] to schedule a visit.
Take a Virtual Tour of the MOKA Smart Home Possibility Pod
Visit the MOKA Possibility Pod in West Michigan
Learn more about the MOKA Possibility Pod at moka.org/smart-home-pilot